Ron Paul’s message: Unity, but not at any cost

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul’s touted topic at his well-attended breakout session at the 2012 Texas GOP Convention was “Uniting Republicans and Balancing the Federal Budget.” But he made it clear he’s not looking for unity at any cost.

“If you bring people together for the wrong ideas, what good is it? You have to bring people together for the right ideas,” Paul told the crowd, which more than once broke into chants of “President Paul!”

Paul said he sees “great progress in calling to task the Federal Reserve system,” scoffed at ideas like No Child Left Behind (championed by former President George W. Bush), called for getting rid of foreign aid and asked, “If you unite behind the things that cost money, what good is it?”

He reiterated his opposition to too much foreign involvement and particularly to war, saying, “We cannot be the policeman of the world,” drawing more applause.

His big message, as always, was freedom in matters big and small: “In a free society, you will always be able to buy a big drink with a lot of sugar in it.”

There’s a strong contingent of Paul supporters at the convention who hope to win a sizable number of the contingent of 155 delegates to the national convention in Tampa, which would allow them to push his views and show their support for him.

Aubrey Vaughan, 67, a Baptist pastor from Liberty County who’s co-founder of the Tri County Texas Tea Party, would like to see that happen. He’s not seeking a national delegate spot himself.

“I would like to see him get nominated,” said Vaughan.”It appears that Mitt Romney is a shoo-in. He’s won it, that’s what it appears. But things are not always as they appear. We’ll see.”